I'm preparing for my annual pilgrimage to Black Rock City and this year I've decided to make a little better use of the opportunity. So I'm taking about three weeks to drive out (leaving August 9). I'll be staying in St. Louis, NW AR, Wichita, Boulder, Steamboat Springs, and Vegas at some point, and spending time in Rocky Mountain, Zion, and Yosemite NPs. So hopefully that gives people some idea of the route.

I know it's a ridiculously broad question, but are there any beers (that I can't get in IN) that are must-drinks? (Extra special burner bonus points if they're in cans.) Brewpubs that are good lunch/dinner stops? Brewpubs that are so good I should consider spending the night?

I'm already planning on stopping at Avery, Dry Dock, Odell's, and New Belgium, and trying to find some of the West Coast brands (Russian River, Bear Republic, AleSmith) in liquor stores. So if there's a good beer store on the I-70 corridor to stock up on the way home, that would be great too.

In Boulder you should check out Upslope Brewing, they can their beer (the pale ale is delicious). If you stop in Glenwood Springs on I-70 there is a good brewpub not far from the highway called Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company.

The Utah brewers are putting out some pretty good beers, but don't distribute much outside of the state due to the cap on alcohol. Anything over 4% ABV has to be sold in state run stores. Cutthroat Pale Ale from Uinta was a favorite when I lived there. Look for Uinta, Squatter's and Wasatch. They have some higher ABV beers in the state stores, but I have no idea how much of that makes it to Cedar City or St. George.

I was in SLC for a week a couple years ago, and sad to say I think I pretty much plumbed the Utah beer scene. Spent an entire afternoon at Squatter's, and picked up most of the Uinta selection at the beer store (their barleywine is incredible, BTW). I'll keep an eye out for Wasatch, though; I don't think I've had any of theirs.

It's been a while since I've been... but the TAP ROOM in STL had killer fish and chips. The beer is good too. Schlafly brewery. Alternatively, go toFast Eddie's in Alton, IL and grab a room on the Illinois side which will likely be cheaper.

The beer scene in Salt Lake is quite different than it was a few years ago. Squatters, Uinta, and Wasatch are all great, but there are more out here. Other brewpubs of note include Hoppers, The Bohemian, and Red Rock (there are more, but those are the best). A few months ago a new brewery called Epic opened up, and they are absolutely fantastic. If you are ever in SLC again, you owe it to yourself to make a trip over there and see what they have in the cooler.

Of course, all those are pretty far away from I-70... In southern Utah, check out Moab and Zion Canyon breweries. I'm a little reluctant to recommend Zion Canyon, as the few beers I've had from there ranged from "meh" to "not bad." However, Moab does some amazing things while staying under 4.0%, and the brewpub in Moab has some great food as well.

Speaking of pit stops on I-70, there's a truly great brewpub in Hays, KS. No idea how they do it, but they keep something like 10-12 beers on tap. http://www.gellasdiner.com

I go through Hay's a couple times a year but somehow always manage to show up at Gella's when they are closed. I know their oatmeal stout has done very well at GABF the past few years. Everything I've heard of them are good things.

Lots of places here in CO.Up in Steamboat, Mahogany Ridge is hit or miss. Been there and had great beer, and the next time was stinky beer.

In Boulder you should check out Upslope Brewing, they can their beer (the pale ale is delicious). If you stop in Glenwood Springs on I-70 there is a good brewpub not far from the highway called Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company.

I'm planning on staying there in October en route to (actually, from, on return journey) California. Saw that, and wasn't sure it was anything more than a run of the mill local brewpub...is it pretty good?